Bill H.2867
188th (2013 - 2014)

An Act relative to the use of audio or video recordings as minutes of public bodies

Bill Title: An Act relative to the use of audio or video recordings as minutes of public bodies

By Ms. Provost of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2867) of Denise Provost relative to the use of audio or video recordings as minutes of public bodies. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

SECTION 1. Chapter 30A, section 18 of the General Laws, appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding to the definition of “minutes”, the following:- “The requirement for a written record may be satisfied by maintaining an audio or video of the meeting prepared by an employee or agent of the municipality, along with the meeting notice and agenda, certified by the Chair, Vice-Chair or Clerk of the public body or the designee of the public body. Nothing shall prevent however a public body from having written minutes or certifying portions of written minutes based on the audio or video recording.”
SECTION 2. Chapter 66, section 5A of the General Laws, appearing in the 2008 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding “The requirement for a record may be satisfied by maintaining an audio or video of the meeting prepared by an employee or agent of the municipality, along with the meeting notice and agenda, certified by the Chair, Vice-Chair or Clerk of the public body or the designee of the public body. Nothing shall prevent however a public body from having written minutes or certifying portions of written minutes based on the audio or video recording.”

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